The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-08-10


which would lead to the rear of a field of corn.
At this early day, however, our superior
knowledge of the topography of that region
gave US great advantage, despite the
watchfulness and superior numbers of tue
enemy.
We could always manage TO get across to
the north bank of the river: but here our
real, great danger began; for we were not
only liable to encounter force OF the en-
envy, but quite apt TO run athwart Que of
those self-constituted scouts who, ever
ready and alert, were likely TO act upon
uncertainties, and greet any force not easily
recognizable with a volley from shotguns
loaded with buckshot, to be followed up
with a fusillade froni six-shooters.
Mistakes" were of frequent occurrence,
and, while they developed many curious
characteristics in the different individuals.
and resulted in many u Hearty laugh and
much quizzing afterward. were at the time
of the most serious nature, as they were
attended by great personal peril.
Early in February, 1863, scout" was
ordered to repair to "the vicinity of Nash
vile, Tenn, TO strike point on Hillsboro
turnpike" Ten well-mounted men were
selected-men who knew their duty, and
who were not likely 10 close their heads.
We had reached the vicinity of Big Har-
reth. near the mouth of Little Harpeth,
Just opposite Peter Cartwright's farm.
A long narrow field of corn lay TO the
west of Mr.. Cartwrights, between his resi-
dence and the north bank of the stream.
Along the west side of this corn-feld,
for its whole length, was a deep pool OF
water known i'll the neighborhood as the
Locust Hole.
At the foot of this pool was ripple,
upon which tish-dam or trap had been
built OF course this dam served to render
still deeper the water above it; while be-
low the water was shallow, bnt swift in its
course over small stones.
To cross the stream at this point was no
great feat, and to reach the road running
on the east of Mr.. C.s residence and be-
tween the Hillsboro and the Granny
White turnpikes was easy of accomplish
ment, and attended by no real danger.
We had crossed the stream, passed
through Mr.. c.. cornfield, and proceeded
to q point within easy reach of our jour
neys end, when we were startled by
Halt! Who comes?"
Before time was given for reply, John
son Vaughn, one of the best scouts in the
band, had dismounted. and began TO throw
down the fence on our left, between the
command and the stream, which lay three
quarters of mile to the west of our posi-
ton.
"A friend, was replied.
"What command" was asked.
"What do you mean by "halting" people
who are in search of a DOCTOR" was inno-
Gently asked.
Yes; if you will advance and satisfy us
that you are in search of a doctor, you
may proceed on your way" was replied.
wi not va 1t't 10
do; but we did wish Vaughn would hurry
to down that fence!
The order came, Assist Vaughn, for
they will not delay much longer"
That's SO, Lieutenant, for that's old
Watkins Colonel of the Sixth Kentucky
Cavalry, Federal, and he amt going TO
monkey around here much longer"
Federal Commander: well, will you
advance, or shall | send squad of men
after you? Decide quickly, for shall not
give you much more time"
Reply: We'll, Colonel / guess / won't
go any further after a doctor tonight,
but I'll turn back home and wait till morn
ing. Good night, Colonel"
Colonel: mo, you don't! Halt! Come
back here Fire, men, if he don't halt"
From this it was thought that only one
of our men (he in advance) had been seen,
But the fence was opened, and each man
in the rear, dismounting and leading his
horse through the gap (by dismounting,
the men were less liable to be seem. and
mounting in the cornfeld, under cover of
the stalks, were all ready or a prompt
move before the command to fire was
given.
AS the last speaker turned and dashed
70 tho fold a cpnoli cbowar Of halls fan
around us, cutting the corn stalks, on each
side and III our front, with no other result
than to make us ply our spurs little more
until we dstanced our pur-
suers. who were evidently reluctant (as we
learned afterward) TO leave the Hiilsboro
turnpike.
OF course the firing had stirred up all
the boys within its hearing, and produced
upon their sensibilities the impression that
it was their move" toward Big Harpeth.
AS we did not know what forces had been
posted on the river below our crossing
point, and, being unwilling TO give any
more chances against our escape. the men
We're directed TO pass through Mrs. Fanny
Hardings place, thence to the south of
Mr. Cartwrghts residence, and across the
field, thus to reach the crossing at the foot
of the Locust Hole"
blu any VI my cNcT near uTN
cornstalks break before a bunch of
frightened yearlings?
Those who have may form some idea of
the racket produced as we dashed through
Mr.. Cartwright's comfeld, through which
ran the Little Harpeth, and which lay be-
tween us and the crossing of Big Harpeth.
Approaching the first mentioned stream,
We were compelled to slew up" as its
banks were rough and PERCEPTIONS. And,
during our slower progress, we took adj
vantage OF the comparative silence to listen
and to learn, if possible, whether we were
being pursued by the enemy which had
us.
Our alarm was greatly heightened by
hearing hoof strokes and the cracking of
corn stalks on our right and below the
ford on Big Harpeth!
OF course, we imagined that the enemy
knew the location of the ford, and were
trying to head us off; and we became
forcibly impressed with the idea that we
must get there first or be captured.
Then the pace, which had been a good
round one, became earnest in the extremel
1t was every man for himself and "Davy"
catch the hindermost.
In order TO cross with more facility Lit
tie Herpeth. we had DETECTED from the
true coutse, so as TO describe an arc; ard
it appeared to our heated imaginations that
the enemy had taken the cord of the arc;